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Post by sibber-chow on Jun 10, 2009 14:26:54 GMT -5
,,when the wind blowsTuula was not certain where she was now; she had been on the run for a few days. Orpheus had been in her pursuit, but it appeared that there were no signs of him. She was not positive when she lost him, or if she really did. Perhaps, that was the explanation for the mare’s shifty glances?
Regardless of if she had or not, the Era just could not go on. Her bodice lowered to the ground. She had to rest. As the speckled ivory lay in place, she was ever on the alert, cuing the wind to keep her informed of any danger or any news. And, that it did. Bolin’s words atop of the Era’s homelands hit her auds. The mare raised her crown from its position in the dirt allowing a loud nicker to hit the air. The wind rushed by, sending the noise in direction of Bolin. She paused for a moment before speaking again; it was a sight that someone might consider crazy – the mare seemingly talking to herself. She was actually speaking for the wind knowing that it would reach her eldest son’s ears. There was also the threat that it might reach Orpheus too. She knew there was a way to channel the wind so that it only reached the intended person, but it had been so very long since the mare had done this. It had been so very long since she had had to; after all, she had not seen another Era since her mother’s death. The mare used all her concentration, all of her inherited powers to channel the message correctly.
“Bolin, your brother is in pursuit of me, and your father most likely wishes me dead. The winds have been silent coming from Inferno, so I do not know if Hannibal has set out in my direction or made any plans to pursue me. Orpheus, too, has inherited the abilities of the wind. It is possible that if there have been any plans for my pursuit that he has kept the wind silent from telling me. I may not see you again, but I want you to know that I am proud of you.” She froze for a moment, the wind allowing her to hear the mare, Cheza, challenge her son. A loud snort escaped her nares before she continued. “You are in your rightful place. You are descendant of the last Lord before the fall of the Era herd. Do not let anyone challenge your position, for you are the only Era beside your brother and me to live with the Lord’s powers in him.” This much she knew to be true. Her grandmother was the Lady and grandfather the Lord; her own mother and her mate were to be the next in line. Bolin and Orpheus were pure royal blood. The only equine more fit to rule was her, but that is not what Tuula wanted. Her son, Bolin, had the heart and strength to be a good leader for the Era.
After her words had been spoken, the mare’s crown once more lowered to the ground. Despite her restraint to remain conscious, she could hold on no longer. And, the mare gave in to unconsciousness – that could be a deadly mistake. Orpheus was still out there.
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Post by big daddy lizzeh. on Jun 11, 2009 9:51:47 GMT -5
I don't care,
if I never see you again. The words spoken upon the wind caused the Era to lift his head up from where he had been grazing. Tilting his head slightly, he flared his nostrils, and headed off toward where he thought the mare had sent out her words from. Marut didn't know of the danger of stumbing upon Tuula, that her son Orpheus was out to harm his mother. Stopping upon the sight of the mare lying in the grass, the Era stallion flicked his ears forward, alert of any sounds; whether it be from another horse or another animal. Taking a few wary steps toward the Era mare, Marut lowered his muzzle to the grass. He kept an eye on her, as if protecting her from what was chasing her. "You have nothing to worry about, Miss Tuula. I am here to protect you."
characters spent - 1207
character used - MARUT
[/size][/blockquote] MARUT [/size][/right] |
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Post by sibber-chow on Jun 11, 2009 10:09:49 GMT -5
The speckled ivory remained still for over an hour – looking as if she might be dead with only shallow breaths betraying this appearance. Finally, the Era stirred in place before raising her crown. There was a look of grogginess in her two-toned orbs, but she felt much better than before. And, it was a good thing that Marut had shown when he did, for Tuula was all too unaware of her surroundings even as she awoke. In fact, she had yet to notice her guardian; it was not until the wind blew words spoken long before into her auds that she realized he was there. The rushing currents recited his words back to the mare, swirling them around her towers. It caught her somewhat off guard.
She immediately pulled to her feet, crown turning from side to side until she found the Era who had spoken them. At first, she questioned his presence with a quizzical look. He appeared like many mortal horses with his ivory coat. That was when she noted the teal in his mane and tail. He was an Era! Regaining her composure she spoke, “I have not seen another of my own kind in a long time,” she paused awaiting the wind to relay his name to her, “Marut.”
“It is good to know that there are others out there,” she stepped forward, her headed tilted the side in confusion, “but, why is it you bothered with guarding me?” Tuula had been with Darks for far too long; it warped the way she thought. The mare had forgotten the kindness of her old herd and the protectiveness they tended to have for their own kind. Even then, that protection was only bestowed to the herd… not to some random stranger. It struck her as odd, not that she did not appreciate it.
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Post by big daddy lizzeh. on Jun 11, 2009 10:22:10 GMT -5
Day and night, the lonely loner
seems to free his mind at night. "It is in my nature, as the wind can probably tell you. And, I have heard what has gone on within the lands you call home. Your son, Orpheus, another of the Era decendants, is after you. I can not let you get injured; you are of noble blood, I am told." Marut dipped his head slightly to the mare, ears flicked forward. "Because of your bloodline, I will make sure you are out of harms way." A small smile crossed his maw, and the Era flicked his ears at the sounds around him. They weren't safe out in the open. "Perhaps we shall find somewhere else to speak? The wind can betray many when out in the open." He glanced to the trees around them, and snorted. Her son could be lurking anywhere within these trees, listening in on their conversation.
characters spent - 1289
character used - MARUT
[/size][/blockquote] MARUT [/size][/right] |
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Post by sibber-chow on Jun 11, 2009 10:37:45 GMT -5
The mare listened to his words in silence, before giving him a small smile and a nod. “Yes, perhaps that would be best.” Tuula flicked her tail behind her before giving a gentle shake to dispatch the debris that clung to her from her rest in the dirt.
With a slight bob of her crown, the mare began walking. She knew the isle pretty well, and if she could remember correctly, there was a set of caves about a mile away from the bottom of the plateau in which the Era’s herd lands resided. That would be the best place she could imagine to stay. Marut would eventually have to go back to the Era herd so being close was in his best interest, and as for her, well, she was not sure what her fate had in store.
Her limp had gotten a bit better, despite her hock being somewhat swollen from all the running, so the journey did not take as long as the mare thought it would have. To her fortune, she had been right, there was a decent sized cave only meters ahead. They would be safe in there; the wind could blow in, but not out.
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Post by big daddy lizzeh. on Jun 11, 2009 10:58:29 GMT -5
Day and night, the lonely loner
seems to free his mind at night. The ivory colored stallion had followed after Tuula, his ears flicked forward slightly. He was curious to know if this mare was going to stay in Inferno, where he knew she would more than likely be killed within seconds of returning. If not by her son, Orpheus, then by her lead, Hannibal. Marut wasn't a stupid horse; he knew of Inferno's leader and his quick temper. Flicking his ears back slightly in anger, the once peaceful stallion snorted in frustration. "Miss Tuula," he began once they were inside the cave. He did feel that their conversation could be much more private within the cavern than out in the open," surely you aren't going to travel back to Inferno? If Orpheus doesn't get to you, then your mate, Hannibal, surely will. He may not have the powers that we Era have, but he is a Dark, and he will know you have contacted Bolin." Blue eyes grew sad, as he stared at the mare, his ears flicked back ever so slightly. "Please tell me you won't go back."
characters spent - 1509
character used - MARUT
[/size][/blockquote] MARUT [/size][/right] |
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Post by sibber-chow on Jun 11, 2009 11:18:43 GMT -5
The smile Tuula wore by the comfort of Marut’s presence slowly faded as he spoke. “I don’t know that I can make you that promise. I loved Hannibal dearly and promised him my loyalty. At the same time, I am not suicidal; and, I have no real doubt that he would,“ the mare was obviously struggling to say the next few words. It hurt her to think that Hannibal did not love her to the extent she did him, ”kill me. I think it would be something he regretted, but if it comes into his mind that that is what he is going to do, well, nothing will stop him. I am not sure running my whole life will save me. And, even if it keeps me alive for a few more years, what kind of life would that be? It might just be better that I go back and give in to him in hopes that he has mercy.” She shook her crown for a moment, before giving a snort of her own. “I never intended to run in the first place. I challenged him to kill me, but when my own son attacked me I just couldn’t take it. It was too much for me.” There were tears in her eyes, but she bit her tongue to hold them back. She had not meant to go that far… to say that.
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Post by big daddy lizzeh. on Jun 11, 2009 11:39:57 GMT -5
Day and night, the lonely loner
seems to free his mind at night. Frowning, his ears flicked back ever so slightly. He wasn't going to doubt anything right now; the Darks were ruthless, they all were. Dipping his head slightly, Marut finally spoke. "I know that Bolin will shelter you, Miss Tuula. He doesn't hold the darkness close like your other son does." The white stallion glanced behind him, out of the cavern, wondering if anything was sneaking up. The wind told him nothing, as silent as ever, and this worried him. Many things could've made the wind stop whispering to them, and he didn't want to think of the possiblities. Glancing back to the Era mare, he placed a small smile upon his muzzle, knowing how terrible Tuula must be feeling.
characters spent - 1180
character used - MARUT
[/size][/blockquote] MARUT [/size][/right] |
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Post by sibber-chow on Jun 11, 2009 11:54:20 GMT -5
Tuula’s ears perked slightly as the stallion spoke. She gave a meek attempt at a smile, trying to reassure herself that everything was going to be alright. “Yes, Bolin, was always the kinder of the two foals, and I know he would be there for me.” She thought for a moment, unsure that she wanted to say what she was about to. “But, it would not be fair for me to put him, or the Era herd, in danger for my own protection.” Immediately, there was regret in her face for saying this. The ivory did not wish to upset her counterpart; it was obvious that he was trying to comfort her, and he already seemed distressed about her earlier statements.
Her orbs focused onto the distance outside of the cave. She, too, noticed it was all too quiet. The quiet always came before the storm. Ears flicked forward as she turned her crown back at the stallion. His smile caused her kissers to part into a real smirk. She gently tapped his shoulder in a reassuring manner, “whatever I decide will not be until I am fully healed though. So, let’s not fret just yet.” Her nostrils flared slightly at the contact against his pelt. Since she met Hannibal she had not touched another equine besides her foals. It felt odd, but good.
Orpheus awaited a mile or so back for any signs of his mother. The wind had sent her scent accompanied by another stallion to him. He had heard their words, but now he was in a quagmire. He could not find them, and the wind was no help. He should have attacked when he had the chance. Time to re-track, find the place where he had scented them last. They could not have gotten far.
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Post by big daddy lizzeh. on Jun 11, 2009 12:06:40 GMT -5
Day and night, the lonely loner
seems to free his mind at night. Nodding at her words, he flicked his tail slowly. When the mare tapped his shoulder, it sent an electric shock through him. Ears pricked forward slightly, watching the mare closely. "Yes. Perhaps it is better if we wait until you are healed before making an major decisions." His head bobbed up and down, and then he turned to stand beside Tuula. Marut raised his head slightly above hers, ears flicked forward, in case the wind rushed them any news of the sort. Flaring his nostrils, he kept a safe distance between him and his new found companion, not knowing her boundaries. All horses had their own little bubble sapce, and Marut wasn't the type of horse to invade other's space without permission. The thought of Tuula's son, Orpheus, crossed his mind, and he flicked his ears back slightly. The young stallion could possibly be tracking her right now; what if he found his mother and Marut in the cave? What would happen between the three? Marut had no rights as a vagabond, while Tuula and Orpheus were in the same herd, both the heirarchy of Inferno. And Orpheus could, perhaps, kill Marut for even being near his mother. The white stallion knew that he would've been dead by now, if Hannibal were to venture by and see him with his mate. Nostrils quivered at that thought, and his body tensed up. He'd protect Tuula against the monster that her mate was, even if they did love each other.
characters spent - 1899
character used - MARUT
[/size][/blockquote] MARUT [/size][/right] |
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Post by sibber-chow on Jun 11, 2009 12:24:25 GMT -5
An ill wind suddenly rushed through the cave. There was no message attached, no scent carried within and it appeared that it had no specific locale in mind. Tuula shifted her weight uneasily, backing up a few paces. The howling noise the wind had created swirled around the cave causing the mare’s ears to flatten against her skull, crown tossing to rid the ringing noise from her head.
Orpheus was the obvious caster of the rush. His talents with the wind were growing in spurts that were nearly unnatural. He had been able to keep the wind silent from betraying his location about an hour into the chase with his mother, yet it was able to keep him informed about her. The mare had been all too weary to fight back, to force the wind to help her, so he had had the upper-hand. And, Marut had not yet seen Orpheus, so he wouldn’t really have much chance to battle the attempts either. Now, the wind was going to help him in a manner unexpected by Tuula; it was something only a Dark mind would first conceive. He sent wind in all directions. He listened for locations where the wind did not return, where it hit a wall. He narrowed it down to the closest, and now he had four possible targets. All he had to do was scope them out… one… by one…
"Orpheus," Tuula muttered weakly. Could that have been merely a coincidence? The wind didn't carry any scent or noise of his vocals.
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Post by big daddy lizzeh. on Jun 11, 2009 12:35:11 GMT -5
Day and night, the lonely loner
seems to free his mind at night. The sudden rush had caused Marut's ears to flick forward then back. Shaking his head, teal tinted forelock fell across his eyes, the blue darkening ever so slightly. Hearing Tuula mumble something about Orpheus, the stallion snorted. "M'lady. I shall not let your foal harm you. I shall protect you until my dying breath." Marut turned his gaze to Tuula, a soft look watching her, care glittering in the darkened blue. Shaking his head yet again, he placed himself between the other Era, and the cavern entrance, his head thrown up into the air. Body stood still, ready for the yearling to find them, ready for a fight with the under experienced stallion.
characters spent - 1151
character used - MARUT
[/size][/blockquote] MARUT [/size][/right] |
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Post by sibber-chow on Jun 11, 2009 13:11:20 GMT -5
The mare’s eyes softened for a moment as she watched the steed take stance in front of her. It was wrong, so very wrong. She should have chased him off from the beginning; it was wrong for her to allow him to be here! Many minutes passed in silence, before the mare realized what she had to do. She was ashamed she had not already done this; this was her battle. To put him in harm’s way was wrong, such a nice-hearted steed. The two-toned orbs turned cold as the mare hobbled around the stallion. “If he is out there, it is my fight to fight,” she snarled her lips as she spoke, a demanding hoof stomping the cold earth beneath them.
“Very heroic words mother,” hissed on the wind before the hellion appeared. There was a sinister smirk across his kissers as he stepped out from the underbrush. His cold blue eyes studied Marut before he turned his gaze back to the injured mare. How fortunate, he had found them on his first try, perhaps it was a prediction on the outcome of this fight? No. He knew better than to attack the two. “But, I have not come to fight you.”
Tuula’s head lowered slightly as she studied her son. “Then why did you chase me.”
“To get away from father, so that we could talk” a lie. “I want you to come back to the herd mother. But, we must rid ourselves of Hannibal.” His eyes softened in faux show of sincerity. “I have not always been the best to you, but I love you.”
Tuula’s eyes widened as she took a few steps towards him.
“Mother, we must destroy Hannibal, and the Inferno will be a safe place again. I am but a yearling, it would be hard for me to take father out on my own. I need your help. In return, I will protect you. You will be safe with me in Inferno, where you belong.” No, this was not what he intended in the beginning, but if his charm worked, which it seemed to have by Tuula’s soft hopeful eyes, it would all end well. Hannibal would die by the two of them. Then, Orpheus would easily take out his injured mother. And, Marut, well, he would never have to see that stag again.
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Post by big daddy lizzeh. on Jun 11, 2009 13:31:43 GMT -5
Day and night, the lonely loner
seems to free his mind at night. When Tuula moved from behind him, Marut's eyes softened considerably, and he shook his head. "But, m'lady..." he started to protest, but he fell silent when Orpheus appeared. From everything he heard, this young palomino was really going to get on his nerves, and all too quickly. Flicking his ears back, a harsh snort escaped him, and he listened to Orpheus' words about taking out Hannibal. For some reason, he highly doubted that this was the yearling's true intentions, and he reached over to nudge Tuula. But, he withdrew his muzzle, knowing that this was no place for him to interject. Ears flicked slightly, almost wondering if the mare would actually go with Orpheus back to Inferno.
word count - 691
character used - MARUT
[/size][/blockquote] MARUT [/size][/right] |
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Post by sibber-chow on Jun 11, 2009 13:45:29 GMT -5
Tuula’s head tilted as she took a few steps forward, completely forgetting about Marut’s presence for the time being. The Era was not usually this gullible, but she wanted to believe this so badly. She wanted to believe that her other son wanted her too. She wanted to believe she could be in a herd with him again. She wanted to believe he wanted her to take… Hannibal… out? No! She suddenly froze, shaking her head vigorously. “I-I’m sorry, Orpheus! I-I-I just can’t kill your father.”
The young colt gritted his teeth. He gulped back his rage, and tried to retain his sincerest façade. “Mother, I know it will be hard, but…”
“No, Orpheus, I can’t, but maybe this can all work out,” she murmured the last bit with a hopeful tone. “You could come to Bolin’s land. As a family, Hannibal would not challenge us. Then no one would have to be harmed, there would be a rift between the herds, but Hannibal’s herd will be too few in numbers to take the Era on, especially if you join us.” She gave him a hopeful glance, her head lowered far beneath his own.
“Mother…” he spat, his eyes turning cold.
“I know you and Bolin do not get along, but I am certain you can work things out. Bolin will accept you if he thinks you are trying to be nicer.”
“Foolish hag! Do you not understand…” he attempted to contain himself again, to find a way to make this work. “Bolin is only trying to trick you. All of those days alone with father, do you not think they were plotting. This was all a performance, I am the actor who strayed! I want you safe. Bolin and Hannibal had this ploy in mind all along!”
Tuula shook her head. “But, that… that just cannot be, son. Hannibal, despite are recent argument, he does. He only said that he would have me slain because he was angry!”
“Mother, really? Do you believe that? How could someone who really loved you say they would kill you? It was all a façade. Hannibal never loved you.”
Tuula felt crushed and completely uncertain.
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